Planting began in Gabbin in 2015 and Activate the Wheatbelt has returned each year to continue work around this historic town. This ongoing relationship has given farmers in the Wheatbelt the chance to engage with volunteer planters from Perth and surrounds.
Gabbin 2021
In 2021, two farm properties were planted over a busy July weekend. Covid postponed the event, but this didn’t deter 160 keen planters and crew traveling out to Gabbin town two weeks later when restrictions lifted.
For a third year we partnered with Hugh and Dea Morgan, who manage a large farm property in the Koorda and Bencubbin Shires.
The Trillion Trees Gift Fund again generously provided 25,000 mixed native species and the Morgans funded another 50,000 saltbush seedlings, which were planted on a salt-affected creekline on their property just downstream from the Mollerin salt lake nature reserve.
Saturday night saw entertainment from the Witchy Djypsies as well as DJ’s spun tunes ‘in the green trailer’ throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, Activate the Wheatbelt tree-planters were put in another 10,000 in a record two-hours at Matt and Megan Brooks property just north of Koorda town. The Brooks are developing wildlife corridors across their property to link neighbouring bushland.
Both farmers are keen to see regeneration of their farm country and have received WA State funding to develop more holistic farm practices.
Matt and Megan Brooks present their regenerative farm vision to the Activate the Wheabelt planters (photographer Amber Bateup)
Gabbin 2020
In partnership with landholders Hugh & Dea Morgan and Trillion Trees our time in Gabbin saw 25,000 seedlings planted on a degraded area of property. The trees were funded by the Trillion Tree Gift Fund.
The weekend saw entertainment from Sam Banks Smith Band and Special Feelings as well as DJ’s in the trailer throughout the weekend.
Approximately 150 planters and crew descended on the Gabbin Community Hall in July and with clear weather throughout the weekend we had no trouble getting the seedlings planted.
Gabbin 2019
In 2019 we planted 20,000 seedlings as part of a creek restoration in Bencubbin. This was completed in partnership with landholders Nic Gillet and Stuart & Jane Putt.
Entertainment over the weekend was provided by Perth bands Izatang and Butter as well as a host of other musicians who jumped on stage for some improvised sets. Fremantle legend Dave Rastrick was also there for the weekend with his usual assortment of instruments creating amazing music across the campsite.
Gabbin 2018
2018 in Gabbin was one of our biggest projects and had us planting 31,000 seedlings over 60 hectares to link the Gabbin and Mulji Nature Reserves. This was completed in partnership with landholder Tim Stephenson and was part of an Avongro project funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Program (20 Million Trees Program)
Gabbin House
In 2018, T-Bones house in Gabbin was purchased by Avongro and Activate the Wheatbelt through donations. This historical residence is slowly being restored in the hopes to one day create a space for local community to utilise.
Interested in planting?
Keen to plant some trees and have a good time while doing it? Have a look at our upcoming events to see what’s on.
20,000 trees planted in a day!
None of this would have been possible without the support of people like you, follow the link below to see how you can help.